CN105229678A - Process modeling and interface - Google Patents

Abstract

One example of existing data system has one or more process.Each process has corresponding metadata.Accessed and the diagram of this process of the metadata of given process is generated automatically.

Description

Process modeling and interface

background

Data system is current to be widely used.They help tissue to perform everyday tasks usually.

Exemplarily, many business datum systems are current is widely used.Such business datum system can comprise such as Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system, client resources management (CRM) system and service line (LOB) system and other business datum systems.

In order to use business datum system, the general basic business data system with being bought by sellers of tissue starts.Exemplarily, suppose that a tissue starts by using ERP system.First this tissue can determine the type of the process that it is required from ERP system, to realize its business.Then, this tissue can buy basic ERP system to sellers, and it is multiple that it meets in the demand of this tissue.

But generally speaking, this tissue usually will customize this basic ERP system and add some functional module to it to make all demands of tissue be satisfied.That is, basic ERP system can not be applicable to the absolutely demand of tissue.Therefore, there is gap in the function provided in basic ERP system.Exemplarily, basic ERP system may percent 60 the demand of applicable tissue, but percent 40 of function are not satisfied (that is, it drops in gap).Therefore, make the customization of basic ERP system and amendment so that fill in a gap.On the document that gap is sometimes listed in and is called " being applicable to gap list ".

It may be very difficult for generating applicable gap list in a meaningful way.There is seldom (if any) and generate the instrument of the visual representation of the function that existing ERP (or other business datums) system provides.Therefore, these are visual generally by using height manual process to generate.Similarly, even if after the visual representation of basic ERP system is generated, it is very difficult for identifying for given tissue the function that the function of disappearance or needs are modified.Again, identification difference is carried out by this way apart from the effort being highly manual and nonstandardized technique.

There is provided above discussion to be only used as general background information, be not intended to the scope helping to determine theme required for protection.

general introduction

One example of existing data system has one or more process.Each process has corresponding metadata.Accessed and the diagram of this process of the metadata of given process is generated automatically.

There is provided this general introduction to introduce some concepts that will further describe in the following detailed description in simplified form.This general introduction is not intended to the key feature or the essential feature that identify theme required for protection, is not intended to the scope for helping to determine theme required for protection yet.Theme required for protection is not limited to the realization solving any or all shortcoming mentioned in background.

accompanying drawing is sketched

Fig. 1 draws to process and revises the block diagram of an embodiment of the solution process drawing framework of the figure of process.

Fig. 2 be illustrate the solution process drafting system that shows in Fig. 1 at record the process and generate the figure of this process time the process flow diagram of an embodiment of operation.

Fig. 2 A-2G is illustrative user interface display.

Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram of an embodiment of the operation when the navigation promoting user to fate map that the solution process drafting system shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

Fig. 3 A-3E is illustrative user interface display.

Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram of an embodiment of the operation when revising fate map from flowchart view that the system shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

Fig. 4 A-4C is illustrative user interface display.

Fig. 5 is the process flow diagram of the operation when revising fate map from tree view that the system shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

Fig. 5 A is illustrative user interface display.

Fig. 6 is the block diagram of an embodiment of the system shown in each framework in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7-11 shows illustrative mobile device.

Figure 12 is the block diagram of an illustrative computing environment.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of an embodiment of solution process drawing framework 100.Framework 100 comprises solution process drafting system 102, business datum storage 104, is shown and carries out mutual user interface display 106 for user 108.Framework 100 also display access data stores the business datum system 110 (it can be any business datum system, but is described to ERP system for illustrative purposes in this article) of the data in 104.

Data storage 104 comprises the process 112 in an example of ERP system 110 illustratively.Each in process 112 has one group of process metadata 114 illustratively.Solution process Figure 116 be the ERP example comprising business datum system 110 solution in each process generate figure.Being applicable to gap list 118 is by the illustrative list of solution processes 102 generation.

Fig. 1 also demonstrates system 102 and comprises process omniselector/modifier assembly 120, processor 122, recorder component 124, security role assembly 126 and user interface components 128 illustratively.User interface components 128 (by its oneself or in system 102 other assemblies or processor control under) generate the user interface display 106 with user's input mechanism 130 illustratively.User 108 can with user's input mechanism 130 alternately to access and control system 102.In one embodiment, user 108 can use process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 to carry out identification process 112 and generate Figure 116 of solution process Figure 116 of these processes and Figure 116 of navigation existence or amendment existence.

User's input mechanism 130 can be taked various multi-form.Such as, they can be button, link, check box, text box, drop-down menu, icon or any other various different user's input mechanism.In addition, user's input mechanism 130 also can be activated in various different mode by user 108.Such as, when user interface display 106 is displayed on touch-sensitive screen, user 108 can use touch posture to carry out actuating user input mechanism 130, such as passes through the finger of use user, stylus or another equipment.In addition, when user interface display 106 be displayed on there is speech recognition component equipment on, user 108 can use voice commands to carry out actuating user input mechanism 130.User 108 also can carry out actuating user input mechanism 130 by other modes, such as by using pointing device (such as, tracking ball or mouse), passing through to use hardware keyboards, software keyboard, use thumb pad, keypad or various different mechanism.

Made for the solution process Figure 116 based on metadata 114 record the process 112 by user 108 to recorder component 124 accountability.Each solution process Figure 116 can comprise various information, such as flow process Figure 132, tree view 134, video 136 or other information 137.Process metadata 114 comprises process details 140, feature 142 and other metadata 144 illustratively.

Security role assembly 126 accountability ground is made for security role being assigned to different task in given process 112 or activity by user 108.This describes in more detail following.

Processor 122 is the computer processor with storer and the sequential circuit (separately not illustrating) be associated illustratively.Processor 122 is the functional module of system 102 illustratively, and by other component activation in system 102, and promote the function of these other assemblies.

Although should also be noted that data store 104 individual datas being shown as to be accessed by both system 102 and business datum system 110 and store, it also can be that multiple different data store.In addition, one or more data storage can be local for system 102 or system 110, or for being long-range both them.Similarly, it can be local that some data store 104, and other are long-range.Remote data storage is by network (such as wide area network, LAN (Local Area Network)) or otherwise visit.In addition, as described below, system 100 is also implemented in the framework based on cloud.

In addition, function described herein belongs to some frame in block diagram.But each frame can be divided into more frame with n-back test, or is also incorporated in less frame.Contemplate all these herein.

Before the operation describing framework 100 in further detail, provide brief overview by for strengthening the object understood.User 108 can use recorder component 124 with in the example process existed 112 being recorded to ERP system 110 or the process of use omniselector/modifier assembly 120 to generate solution process Figure 116.User 108 also then can select process 112 by activation record device assembly 124.System 102 generates user interface display 106, and it allows user 108 to travel through this process, and use user's input mechanism 130 to perform it, recorder component 124 is recording it simultaneously.When user 108 completes this process, recorder component 124 can correspond to product process Figure 132, tree view 134 or other figure projects 137 metadata of this process from recorded.Similarly, register 124 is generating video 136 illustratively, and this video 136 shows user 108 and performing the step adopted in this process.Alternatively, user 108 also can use process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 to generate or revise process flow diagram corresponding to this process or tree view.

Once Figure 116 is generated, user 108 just can use process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 not only to navigate this process, but also by the task of adding or delete in this process or movable and revise it by assigning security role.Based on any amendment made the fate map existed, assembly 120 can generate display needs the applicable gap list 118 of the work item be done to revise the process existed, and makes it meet the modified fate map of user 108 generation.

Fig. 2 is the process flow diagram of the embodiment that the operation of recorder component 124 when recording the process existed and the figure generating this process is shown in further detail.Fig. 2 A-2G can be user 108 to generate to make the exemplary user interface display of this record.Present description Fig. 2-2G that will be bonded to each other.

The user that first system 100 is received from user 108 by the user's input mechanism 130 in user interface display 106 inputs, to open task record device assembly 124.This is indicated by the frame 150 in Fig. 2.

System 102 then uses user interface components 128 to open task record device assembly 124 and generates the user interface display allowing user 108 control task recorder component 124.This is indicated by the frame 152 of Fig. 2.

User interface explicit declaration ground allows user 108 to select to comprise the framework of the task that will be recorded.Fig. 2 A shows an exemplary user interface display 154.Recorder component 124 uses user interface components 128 to generate user interface display 154 illustratively.User interface display 154 illustrate task record device be open and record tab 156 and selected.Record tab 156 comprises the user's input mechanism (such as button) allowing user to start, suspend and stop record illustratively.

User interface display 154 also comprises framework selector switch 158 illustratively, and this framework selector switch 158 allows user 108 by keying in a framework or by activating drop-down menu and selecting a framework to select this framework from this menu in text box.Similarly, user interface display 154 comprises industrial selection device 160 illustratively.Industrial selection device 160 also allows user 108 to select an industry by keying in text box or selecting from drop-down menu illustratively.In the embodiment that Fig. 2 A shows, user have selected " ACME " framework and for industry indicator across industrial selection.Receive and select to be indicated by the frame 162 in Fig. 2 to the user of the framework comprising the task that will be recorded (and possible industry).

Recorder component 124 then accesses each process existed the process tree of the selected framework of display of specifying framework and industry.Fig. 2 B shows an exemplary user interface display 164, wherein the process tree 166 of the selected framework of display and industry.Process tree 166 is illustrative comprises being unfolded or folding with the node showing additional node of multiple hierarchical arrangement.The process tree 166 of the selected framework of display is indicated by the frame 168 in Fig. 2.

User 108 then launches process tree 166 illustratively and the tree node of hierarchical arrangement (display) through launching is shown.Receive the user's input launching process tree to be indicated by the frame 170 in Fig. 2, and the tree of display through launching is indicated by frame 172.

Fig. 2 C shows the tree 174 through launching of the node with multiple hierarchical arrangement.Descendent node is relative to ancestor node indentation.Tree 174 shows four leaf nodes 176.Fig. 2 C also demonstrates user and have selected highlighted leaf node 176.Receive and select to be indicated by the frame 178 in Fig. 2 to the user of the leaf node in the tree through launching.

User 108 then provides the user starting to record the process corresponding to highlighted leaf node 176 input.This is indicated by the frame 180 of Fig. 2.Fig. 2 D shows a part for the user interface display 175 shown in fig. 2 c, except it also indicates start button 182 to be actuated by a user.

Responsively, recorder component 124 (or another assembly in system 102) generates the user interface display of the task of corresponding to highlighted leaf node 176.This is indicated by the frame 184 of Fig. 2.User then can activate the user's input mechanism in these user interfaces, to perform the task corresponding to highlighted leaf node.Right, recorder component 124 not only records the visual record corresponding to each the user's input step (or operation) performed on these user interfaces show by user 108, but also record corresponds to the metadata of each the user's input step (or operation) performed on these user interfaces show by user 108.Receive and be recorded in the input of the user in executing the task to be indicated by the frame 186 in Fig. 2.This continue until user 108 determine as frame 188 place in Fig. 2 complete being recorded of task.

Once user can complete task, user just provides the user stopping record input illustratively.This is indicated by the frame 190 in Fig. 2.Fig. 2 E shows an embodiment of the user interface display that this is described.Fig. 2 E shows a part for user interface display 175, has activated now stop button 192 except Fig. 2 E also shows user.This stops record.

During recording or after the recording is completed, record component 124 (or another assembly of system 102) generates the typical product of any desired of recording of task illustratively.This is indicated by the frame 194 of Fig. 2.Exemplarily, a typical product that can be generated progressively describes the text document 196 how performing this task.Similarly, a typical product can be can by the videograph 198 of user 108 or different user playback, and it visually shows user and how in user interface display, to perform this task.Typical product can comprise client/server track 200, fate map or process flow diagram 202 (it will be described in detail following) or any other desirable typical product 204.

Once desirable typical product is generated, they are just preserved to being illustrated property for access after a while or derive.This is indicated by the frame 206 in Fig. 2.Recorder component 124 then change illustratively with by user at frame 178 place the corresponding status indicator of the leaf node that the selects task of representing.This status indicator indicates now and has carried out record to the process (or task) of correspondence.This is indicated by frame 208 in fig. 2.

In order to check recorded typical product, the record corresponding to being recorded of task is selected on instruction manual ground.This can come in a variety of different ways.Such as, system 102 can generate list, and its display corresponds to each record of each leaf node shown in Fig. 2 C.Fig. 2 F shows an embodiment of such display.Can see, user have selected record 210 from the list Fig. 2 F.When user activates selected record, the typical product generated during this record is shown, and such as those show in fig 2g.Fig. 2 G shows the list of recorded typical product, comprise as 196 instructions for progressively descriptions of the process that records or task, videograph 198, as the track on 200 clients indicated or server side or event and fate map or process flow diagram 202.Certainly, other or different typical product 204 also can be listed, if they are generated.

Fig. 3 is the process flow diagram of the embodiment that the operation of process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 when permission user 108 navigates the fate map existed is shown.Fig. 3 A-3E is illustrative user interface display.Present description Fig. 3-3E that will be bonded to each other.

First user 108 provides suitable user's input in user interface display 106, makes user 108 energy access system 102 and selects the fate map for navigating.This is indicated by the frame 250 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 A shows an embodiment of the user interface display 252 that can be used for so doing.User interface display 252 comprises the part of the different classes of process with the existing Figure 25 4 that can be selected by user 108 illustratively.Fig. 3 A display has two classifications 255 and 257 of process, and these processes have existing figure.User interface display 252 also comprises part 256 illustratively, and it allows user to select specific industry or process type to create new figure.New figure can generate by the identical mode be substantially modified with existing figure.This is in following detailed description.

But, in order to the existing figure that navigates, be actuated in the input mechanism 255 or 257 under the existing figure part 254 of display 252 instruction manual.This causes assembly 120 to generate the hierarchical tree view of the process corresponding with the classification represented by the mechanism 255 or 257 be actuated by a user.These actuators represent the classification of the business process 112 in the ERP example existed for its solution Figure 116.

Responsively, process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 generates the user interface display of the tree view of the process be easily selected by a user.Display tree view is indicated by the frame 280 in Fig. 3.Fig. 3 B shows an embodiment of the user interface display 282 of the tree view 284 of each process that display has been drawn.Hierarchical tree view 284 has expansion and deleting mechanism 289 and 291 illustratively respectively.Launch mechanism 289 and can activated tree layout to show leaf node.Deleting mechanism 291 can activated deletion of node.In addition, in one embodiment, process is divided into classification, such as core business process 286 and support process 288.When selecting in the node in tree view as user, the relatively detailed description that pane 290 is updated to show the process corresponding to the node be easily selected by a user is described.

Process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 then receives user's input that tree layout view 284 shows leaf node.This is indicated by the frame 292 in Fig. 3.The tree view 284 shown in Fig. 3 B has been unfolded to show leaf node 296.

Assembly 120 then receives user's selection and the actuating to one of leaf node 296.This is indicated by the frame 298 in Fig. 3.Responsively, assembly 120 shows the task corresponding to the leaf node activated.This is indicated by frame 300.This display can comprise process flow diagram 302, corresponding to other details 304 various of task or other information 306.

Fig. 3 C shows the embodiment of show needle to the user interface display 310 of the process flow diagram 312 of leaf node selected in Fig. 3 B.Process flow diagram 312 comprises frame or shape 314,316,318,319,320,322,324 and 326.Each shape is corresponding to being performed with the activity of the process represented by realization flow Figure 31 2 or task.Process flow diagram 312 is also shown as being divided into security passage 328,330 and 334.Each security passage represents the security role being required to perform activity represented by shape 314-326 or task.Such as, can see, shape 320 is in security passage 330.This means, " ApprovePurchaseOrder (approval purchase order) " activity will be performed by the individual with the security role corresponding to " PurchaseManager (Merchandising Manager) ".The security role of the passage wherein resided in security role to shaped is assigned to this task or activity.

Once user interface display 310 is shown, user just can click the various piece of user interface to perform different actions or to check different information.Receive and user's actuating of the various piece of user interface display 310 is indicated by the frame 350 in Fig. 2.

Showing particularly corresponding to process flow diagram 312 of task of Fig. 3 C is the tasks of " ManagePurchaseOrder (management purchase order) " by name.When user clicks when " ManagePurchaseOrder (management purchase order) " title of 340 places display, the step-by step instruction for performing " ManagePurchaseOrder (management purchase order) " task is listed in feature display 342.In addition, video section 344 allows user to check the video of actual another user executed the task in the user interface of the example of the correspondence of ERP system 110.Actuating activity name 340 is indicated by the frame 352 in Fig. 2 and the step-by step instruction shown about how realizing task is indicated by frame 354.

User interface display 310 also comprises feature bar 346.Modification process Figure 31 2 on user 108 is shown part painting canvas by the shape from feature bar 346 being dragged and dropped into process flow diagram 312.This is describing in more detail below with reference to Fig. 4.

Fig. 3 C show user interface display 356, this user interface display 356 be similar to show in Fig. 3 B user interface display 310 and similar item be similarly numbered.But user interface display 356 illustrates on " ManageRequisition (management please be purchased) " frame 314 that user clicks now in process flow diagram 312.When this happens, assembly 120 shows the characteristic details corresponded to by the activity of shape (or frame) 314 expression.Feature is displayed in feature display section 358.In fig. 3 c, feature comprise corresponding to the shape of this activity, mark, help text, for check or the title configuring cipher key of maintenance customer's license and link, corresponding to the layer of this activity and model and object type and object oriented.Certainly, feature can comprise other information various, such as the title etc. of country, the security role with license, the workflow of enabling and data source.One of each frame or shape are clicked and is indicated by the frame 360 in Fig. 3, and indicating characteristic details is indicated by frame 362.

User 108 goes back start button in clickable video part 344 to watch the video that user performs being represented by process flow diagram 312 of task.When should also be noted that in each shape activated as user in flow process Figure 31 2, video section 344 can be updated to show the part that the video corresponding to the shape activated shows.Certainly, this is optional.Click video to be indicated by the frame 364 in Fig. 3, and play video and indicated by frame 366.

In one embodiment, one during user also can click in flow process Figure 31 2 connecting line.In this embodiment, assembly 120 shows the class methods and table method that are performed when the process represented by process flow diagram 312 moves along this connecting line.Activate one of connecting line indicated by the frame 368 in Fig. 2 and show the class methods that are performed and table method is indicated by frame 370.Fig. 3 E shows an embodiment of the user interface display 372 that this is shown.Can see, process flow diagram 374 is displayed in user interface display 372, and user has activated the connecting line between the beginning and the first shape of process flow diagram.This connecting line is instructed at 376 places.When this happens, assembly 120 generates illustratively and ejects display 378, class, table and or even data base querying that this ejection display 378 display can be moved along connecting line 376 along with process and is performed.

Can notice, in other embodiments, user can click other parts of process flow diagram display.This is indicated by the frame 380 in Fig. 2.In that case, assembly 120 can show other information or take other actions as indicated by frame 382.

User 108 can perform the additional navigation traversal to fate map, and this frame 384 place in figure 3 determines.If user 108 wishes so to do, then process and continue at frame 298 place, wherein user navigates to other process flow diagrams by other leaf nodes clicked in tree view and process flow diagram and generating for new leaf node of task is shown.But, if determine undesirably further to navigate at frame 384 place, then end of navigating.

Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram of an embodiment of the operation when generating the amendment to the process of the flowchart view shown in from all Fig. 3 C and 3D as discussed above that system 102 is shown.First, as discussed above, process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 generates the user interface display with user interface mechanism and inputs with the user receiving the flowchart view of show process.This is indicated by the frame 390 in Fig. 4.This example is the user interface display 356 shown in above Fig. 3 D.Can see, flowchart view not only comprises activity represented by frame 314-326 or task (as the frame 392 in Fig. 4 indicates), it also comprises and each role be associated 394 in these frames, the feature 396 shown for selected frame, video 398 (being displayed in the video section 344 of display 356) and certainly, it can also comprise other information 400.

Assembly 120 then receives user's input that amendment corresponds to the process flow diagram of bottom process.This is indicated by the frame 402 in Fig. 3.Fig. 4 A shows user interface display 404, and this user interface display 404 illustrates that user can revise multiple diverse ways of the process from flowchart view.User interface display 404 be similar to a certain extent show in Fig. 3 D user interface display 356 and similar item be similarly numbered.

In one embodiment, user 108 wishes to delete or remove by the task of the shape representation in process flow diagram 312 or activity.In this case, user can select a shape and " removing " button 406 in actuating user interface display 404 simply.Remove task or activity is indicated by the frame 408 in Fig. 4.Assembly 120 automatically upgrades the metadata corresponding to this process and indicates this.This is indicated by the frame 412 in Fig. 4.

In addition, user 108 can change the security role of task or the activity be dispatched to corresponding to one of the shape in process flow diagram 312.In one embodiment, a shape is dragged to different passages from its existing security passage 328,330 and 332 by user simply.Such as, in Figure 4 A, user can click shape 322 and it is dragged to " QualityControlClerk (quality control person) " security passage 332 from " PurchasingAgent (buying agency) " security passage 328.In this case, security role assembly 126 automatically upgrades the metadata 114 that corresponds to task or activity with the different security role that indicated it to be assigned.The security role of change task or activity is indicated by the frame 410 in Fig. 4, and automatically more new metadata indicated by frame 412 to indicate new security role.

User 108 can also add task or activity to flow process Figure 112.In one embodiment, this has come by simply shape 413 being dragged to from feature bar 346 painting canvas that process flow diagram 312 is shown part.The position that user can then add connecting line or revise existing connecting line is to comprise new shape.If a shape is dragged and dropped into the painting canvas of flow for displaying Figure 31 2 from feature bar 346 by user, then assembly 120 generates and allows user for corresponding to the task of new shape of adding or the movable feature display 414 adding data.In shown embodiment, user can key in the title of new task of adding or activity, type and description and correspond to its role and business.In another embodiment, user can select these things (as such as shown by type indicator) from drop-down menu.

User also can simply by the task of newly adding or activity being placed into the task or the activity that carry out automatically security role to be assigned to this new interpolation in one of security passage 328,330 or 332.User is by clicking save button 416 simply to preserve new process flow diagram (having new shape 413 of adding).This metadata causing assembly 120 automatically to upgrade the process represented by process flow diagram 312 of corresponding to or task with the information comprising this new activity or task and added in characteristic 414 by user, and also comprises the security role being assigned to this new task or activity by security role assembly 126.Interpolation task or activity are indicated by the frame 418 in Fig. 4.Receive user add data indicated by frame 420, and automatically more new metadata again indicated by the frame 412 in Fig. 4.

User 108 also can remove connecting line from process flow diagram 312.This has come by selecting connecting line (such as by clicking it) also can activate delete button (or removing button) 406 simply.Again, the metadata corresponding to the process represented by process flow diagram 312 also removes corresponding metadata by being updated.Remove connecting line to be indicated by the frame 424 in Fig. 4, and more new metadata is indicated by frame 412 again.

In one embodiment, user 108 also can add security role to process.In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 A, " passage " shape 426 is dragged and dropped into the painting canvas of flow for displaying Figure 31 2 from feature bar 346 by user simply.This causes new security passage 428 to be added to process flow diagram.Additional information then can be added to the security role corresponding to the new security passage 428 added in characteristic 414 with definition by user.Add security role to be indicated by the frame 430 in Fig. 4, and the data receiving the user's interpolation corresponding to new security role are indicated by frame 432.Again, along with other amendments to process, the metadata corresponding to the process represented by process flow diagram 312 automatically upgrades to identify new security role by by assembly 120 or 126.This is indicated by frame 412.

User also can revise process by other modes illustratively, and metadata will automatically be updated.This is indicated by frame 434 and 412.

Based on the change to the process represented by workflow 312, can need to generate new work item.Such as, when user 108 with the addition of task or activity to the process represented by process flow diagram 312, the bottom code for this task or activity can need to be generated, to revise or to realize correctly to operate for process.Therefore, can generating identification what need the work item that is done.Similarly, when user with the addition of new security role or make amendment that other need bottom work to be done, work item needs be generated and complete for process by desirably operating.Thus, process omniselector/modifier assembly 120 determines whether work item will be generated.This is indicated by the frame 436 in Fig. 4.Should be appreciated that in one embodiment, in the user interface display 404 that user also can show simply by actuating in Figure 4 A, suitable user's input mechanism (such as work item button 438) automatically makes work item be generated.

In either case, if work item will be generated, then assembly 120 automatically generates work item, makes them can be checked, preserve or derive.This is indicated by the frame 440 in Fig. 4.Fig. 4 B and 4C shows two different user interface displays 442 and 444 respectively, and these two different user interfaces show different work item.In one embodiment, user 108 or another project Team Member have made various amendment discussed above or other amendments and these have been added to the gap list of process tree to process hierarchy.User 108 then can navigate to documentation section and check by the Team Member of user or user make the list that changes.Display work item is indicated by the frame 446 in Fig. 4.

In one embodiment, user 108 can also derive work item with the form of applicable gap list.User comes so to do illustratively by activating suitable user's input mechanism (the derivation button 448 in such as Fig. 4 B or the button 450 in Fig. 4 C).Determine whether to be indicated by the frame 452 in Fig. 4 to derive work item with the form of applicable gap list.Be applicable to gap list can derive (as indicated by frame 454) by predefined form, or work item can be exported as word processing file 456 or also derive by other modes 458.

Fig. 5 illustrates that user 108 can revise the process flow diagram of the another way of process illustratively.Being alternative in from flowchart view to revise process, how Fig. 5 can revise process from tree view (tree view through launching shown such as Fig. 3 B) if describing user.First, assembly 120 receives and is provided to navigate to and user's input of the tree view of show process (the user interface display 282 shown in such as Fig. 3 B).Receive these users input to be indicated by the frame 460 in Fig. 5.Can see, tree view comprises the mechanism of expansion and deleting mechanism 289 and 291 respectively, discusses about Fig. 3 B as above.Certainly, tree view also can comprise other, as indicated by frame 462.

In either case, assembly 120 receives user's input tree view being deployed into desirable level.This is indicated by frame 464.

Then, assembly 120 receives user's input of amendment tree view.This is indicated by frame 466, and this can come in a variety of different ways.Such as, in tree view, can see, movable pane 293 allows user shape to be dragged and dropped into tree view 284 from pane 293.These other desirable level places arbitrary that can be finished in process class hierarchy place, process grouping level place, process level or hierarchy of activity place or hierarchical tree structure 284 add tree view to by one.Receive drag and drop input to be indicated by the frame 468 in Fig. 5 one to be added to process.

User 108 also can revise tree construction simply by rearranging leaf node (leaf node 296 shown in such as Fig. 3 B).Such as, if user catches the leaf node that is labeled as 4.2.1 and dragged down, then it is reinserted in the position put it down user.Rearrange leaf node to be indicated by the frame 470 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 A shows user in hierarchical tree view 284, with the addition of new process 472.When this happens, assembly 120 is indicating characteristic part 474 illustratively, and this characteristic 474 allows user to provide corresponding to the title of the node 472 added new in tree construction 284, description and other information again.The details receiving these users interpolation is indicated by frame 476.It will be appreciated, of course, that user 108 also can revise tree construction by other modes, and this is indicated by frame 478.

When tree construction is modified, user 108 may wish to input the additional process details for modified process.If so, then the user's input received for additional process details is indicated by the frame 488 in Fig. 5.

User 108 then can preserve modified tree view 284 by activating suitable input mechanism.Such as, in one embodiment, user activates save button 490 simply.Receive user's input of preserving amendment to be indicated by the frame 492 in Fig. 5.Assembly 120 then automatically upgrades the process metadata of the modified process corresponded to represented by tree view 284.This is indicated by the frame 494 in Fig. 5.Then, the above work item process described about accompanying drawing 4 implemented by assembly 120, and this is indicated by the frame 496 in Fig. 5.More specifically, in one embodiment, the above work item process described about the frame 436,440,446,452,454,456 and 458 in Fig. 4 implemented by assembly 120.

Can see, system automatically identifies the metadata corresponding with the process in the example being stored in business datum system and generates the visual representation (diagram) of this process based on this metadata.Can to be received by the system the amendment of process and metadata is also automatically revised.It can be used by various different instrument.It can XML pattern, to be outputted as with another pattern applicable gap list, document and it also can graphic form be visualized.The diagram revised by revising process in user interface display is made.

Fig. 6 is the block diagram of the framework 100 shown in Fig. 1, except it is placed in cloud computing framework 500.Cloud computing provides and does not require that final user knows the calculating of the physical location of the system of delivery service or configuration, software, data access and stores service.In various embodiments, cloud computing uses suitable agreement to carry out delivery service by the wide area network of such as the Internet and so on.Such as, cloud computing supplier by wide area network pay application, and they can by web browser or any other computation module accessed.The software of framework 100 or assembly and corresponding data can be stored on the server at remote location place.Computational resource in cloud computing environment can be incorporated into remote data center position or they can be dispersions.Cloud computing infrastructure can carry out delivery service by shared data center, even if they are individual access points In the view of user.Therefore, assembly described herein and function can use cloud computing framework to provide from the ISP of remote location.Alternately, they can provide from the server of routine, or they can directly or otherwise install on a client device.

This instructions is intended to comprise public cloud and calculates and privately owned cloud computing.Cloud computing (public and privately owned both) provides the demand of substantially seamless resource sharing and the reduction to management and configuration bottom hardware foundation structure.

Public cloud by supplier management, and supports the multiple consumers using same foundation structure usually.In addition, contrary with privately owned cloud, terminal user can discharge by public cloud from hardware management.Privately owned cloud can be managed by tissue itself, and foundation structure is not shared with its hetero-organization usually.This is organized in and still maintains hardware in a way, such as installs and maintenance etc.

In the embodiment shown in figure 6, some with Fig. 1 in show those be similar, and they are similarly numbered.Fig. 6 illustrates that system 102 is arranged in cloud 502 (can be public, privately owned or wherein some part is public and some part is privately owned combination) particularly.Therefore, user 108 uses subscriber equipment 504 to visit those systems by cloud 502.

Fig. 6 further depict another embodiment of cloud framework.Fig. 6 illustrates that some element also contemplated in architecture system 100 is placed in cloud 502 that other elements are not placed in cloud 502.Exemplarily, data store the outside that 104 can be placed in cloud 502, and are visited by cloud 502.In another example, solution process drafting system 102 or architecture system 100 can in the outsides of cloud 502.No matter where they are positioned at, they all can directly be accessed by network (wide area network or LAN (Local Area Network)) by equipment 504, they can by service hosts at remote site, or they be can be used as service and are provided by cloud or visited by the Connection Service resided in cloud.Contemplate all these frameworks herein.

Be also noted that, framework 100 or its part can be placed on various different equipment.Some in these equipment comprises: server, desk-top computer, laptop computer, flat computer or other mobile devices, such as palmtop computer, cell phone, smart phone, multimedia player, personal digital assistant etc.

Fig. 7 is the simplified block diagram that can be used as wherein can disposing the user of native system (or its part) or the hand-held of portable equipment 16 of client or an illustrative embodiment of mobile computing device.Fig. 8-11 is examples of hand-held or mobile device.

Fig. 7 provides the general frame of the assembly of client device 16, and this client device 16 can run the assembly or mutual with framework 100 of framework 100, or both.In equipment 16, provide communication link 13, this communication link allows handheld device and other computing device communication, and is provided for the channel such as being carried out automatic reception information by scanning in certain embodiments.The example of communication link 13 comprises: infrared port, serial/USB port, the cable system port of such as ethernet port and so on, and permission is by the wireless network port of the communication of one or more communication protocol, described communication protocol comprises as the general packet radio service (GPRS) for providing the wireless service that the honeycomb of network accesses, LTE, HSPA, HSPA+, and other 3G and 4G radio protocols, 1Xrtt and Short Message Service, and 802.11 and 802.11b (WiFi) agreement providing and connect the local wireless of network is provided, and Bluetooth protocol.

According to other embodiments, application or system (as system 102) are received on movable safety numeral (SD) card being connected to SD card interface 15.SD card interface 15 communicates with processor 17 (also can realize the processor 122 from Fig. 1) along bus 19 with communication link 13, and this bus 19 is also connected to storer 21 and I/O (I/O) assembly 23 and clock 25 and position system 27.

In one embodiment, I/O assembly 23 is provided to promote that input and output operate.I/O assembly 23 for each embodiment of equipment 16 can comprise: input module, such as button, touch sensor, multipoint touch sensor, optics or video sensor, speech transducer, touch-screen, proximity sense, microphone, inclination sensor and gravity switch; And output precision, such as display device, loudspeaker and or printer port.Also other I/O assemblies 23 can be used.

Comprise to clock 25 illustrative clock assembly actual time on output time and date.Clock can also provide timing function for processor 17 in illustrative ground.

Comprise to position system 27 illustrative the assembly of the current geographic position of output device 16.This such as can comprise GPS (GPS) receiver, LORAN system, dead reckoning system, honeycomb triangulation system or other positioning systems.This such as can also comprise Survey and map software or the navigation software of map, navigation circuit and other geographical function desired by generation.

Storer 21 stores operating system 29, network settings 31, application 33, application configuration arrange 35, data store 37, Communication driver 39 and communication configuration arrange 41.Storer 21 can comprise all types of tangible volatibility and non-volatile computer readable memory device.It can also comprise computer-readable storage medium (the following describes).Storer 21 stores computer-readable instruction, and described instruction causes processor to perform computer implemented step or function according to described instruction when being performed by processor 17.The item that system 102 or data store in 104 such as can reside in storer 21.Similarly, equipment 16 can have client traffic system 24, and this client traffic system 24 can be run miscellaneous service application or realize the part or all of of framework 100.Processor 17 can also by other component activation to promote their function.

The example of network settings 31 comprises the things of such as proxy information, Internet connection information and mapping and so on.Application configuration arrange 35 comprise for specific enterprise or customization application setting.Communication configuration arranges 41 and provides for carrying out with other computing machines the parameter that communicates, and comprises such as GPRS parameter, SMS parameter, connects the project of the user name and password and so on.

Application 33 has stored application on the device 16 or the application of installing during use before can being, but these application can be parts for operating system 29, or also can be in trust outside equipment 16.

Fig. 8 illustrates that wherein equipment 16 is embodiments for flat computer 600.In fig. 8, computing machine 600 is shown to have user interface display 356 (Fig. 3 D's) of display on display screen 602.Screen 602 can be touch-screen (the touch posture pointing 604 from user be may be used for and application mutual) or the interface enabling pen, and it receives the input from pen or stylus.It can also use dummy keyboard on screen.Certainly, it also such as can be attached to keyboard or other user input devices by the suitable attachment mechanisms of such as wireless link or USB port and so on.Computing machine 600 can also receive phonetic entry in illustrative ground.

Fig. 9 and Figure 10 provides the additional example of available equipment 16, although also can use other equipment.In fig .9, provide smart phone or functional telephone or mobile phone 45 as equipment 16.Phone 45 comprises: one group of keypad 47, and it is for dialing phone number; Display 49, it can show the image comprising application image, icon, webpage, photo and video; And control knob 51, it is for selecting the project illustrated over the display.Phone comprises antenna 53, and this antenna 53 is for receiving cellular phone signal and Short Message Service (SMS) signal of such as general packet radio service (GPRS) and 1Xrtt and so on.In certain embodiments, phone 45 also comprises and holds the SD draw-in groove 55 that secure digital (SD) blocks 57.

The mobile device of Figure 10 is personal digital assistant (PDA) 59 or multimedia player or tablet computing device etc. (referred to here as PDA59).PDA59 comprises inductance screen 61, the position of described inductance screen sensing stylus 63 (or other indicators, the finger of such as user) when this stylus is placed on screen.This allows user to select on screen, highlights and mobile project and drawing and write.PDA59 also comprises multiple user's enter key or button (such as button 65), it allows user by menu option shown on display 61 or other Show Options roll screens, and allows user change application when not contacting display 61 or select user input capability.Although be not illustrated, PDA59 can comprise and allows to carry out with other computing machines the built-in aerial of radio communication and infrared transmitter/receiver and allow and the connectivity port of signal wiring of other computing equipments.Such signal wiring is normally undertaken by the support being connected to other computing machines via serial or USB port.Therefore, these connect is that non-network connects.In one embodiment, mobile device 59 also comprises the SD draw-in groove 67 holding SD card 69.

Figure 11 is similar to Fig. 9, and difference is that phone is smart phone 71.Smart phone 71 has the touch-sensitive display 73 of display icon or segment or other user's input mechanisms 75.Mechanism 75 can be used for running application by user, carries out calling out, performing data transmission operates, etc.Generally speaking, smart phone 71 to be structured on Mobile operating system and to provide the computing power more senior than functional telephone and connectivity.

Note, other forms of equipment 16 are possible.

Figure 12 is an embodiment of the computing environment that wherein can adopt (such as) system 100.With reference to Figure 12, the example system for realizing some embodiments comprises the universal computing device of computing machine 810 form.The assembly of computing machine 810 can include, but not limited to processing unit 820 (can comprise processor 122), system storage 830 and the various system components comprising system storage is coupled to the system bus 821 of processing unit 820.System bus 821 can be any one in the bus structure of some types, comprises the local bus of any one in memory bus or the various bus architecture of Memory Controller, peripheral bus and use.Exemplarily unrestricted, such architecture comprises industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, MCA (MCA) bus, enhancement mode ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association's (VESA) local bus and peripheral parts interconnected (PCI) bus (also referred to as interlayer (Mezzanine) bus).The storer described with reference to figure 1 and program can be deployed in the corresponding part of Figure 12.

Computing machine 810 generally includes various computer-readable medium.Computer-readable medium can be any usable medium can accessed by computing machine 810, and comprises volatibility and non-volatile media, removable and irremovable medium.Exemplarily unrestricted, computer-readable medium can comprise computer-readable storage medium and communication media.Computer-readable storage medium is different from and does not comprise modulated message signal or carrier wave.Computer-readable storage medium comprises hardware store medium, and this hardware store medium comprises the volatibility and non-volatile, removable and irremovable medium that any Method and Technology for the information storing such as computer-readable instruction, data structure, program module or other data realizes.Computer-readable storage medium comprises, but be not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, tape cassete, tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage apparatus, maybe can be used for storing information needed and other medium any can accessed by computing machine 810.Communication media specializes other data in computer-readable instruction, data structure, program module or transmission mechanism usually, and comprises any information delivery media.Term " modulated message signal " refers to and makes arrange in the mode of coded message in the signal or change the signal of one or more characteristic.Exemplarily unrestricted, communication media comprises such as cable network or the direct wire medium to connect and so on of line, and the wireless medium of such as acoustics, RF, infrared and other wireless mediums and so on.Above-mentioned any combination also should be included in computer-readable media range.

System storage 830 comprises the computer-readable storage medium of volatibility and/or nonvolatile memory form, as ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 831 and random access memory (RAM) 832.Comprise between the starting period, such as help the basic input/output 833 (BIOS) of the basic routine of transmission information between the element in computing machine 810 to be usually stored in ROM831.RAM832 usually comprises processing unit 820 and can access immediately and/or the current data that operating and/or program module.Exemplarily unrestricted, Figure 12 shows operating system 834, application program 835, other program modules 836 and routine data 837.

Computing machine 810 can also comprise that other is removable/irremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media.Only exemplarily, Figure 12 shows and to read from irremovable, non-volatile magnetic media or to the hard disk drive 841 of its write, to read from removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 852 or to the disc driver 851 of its write, and to read, anonvolatile optical disk 856 removable from such as CDROM or other optical mediums etc. or to the CD drive 855 of its write.Can use in Illustrative Operating Environment other is removable/irremovable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media includes but not limited to, tape cassete, flash card, digital versatile disc, digital video tape, solid-state RAM, solid-state ROM etc.Hard disk drive 841 is connected to system bus 821 by the irremovable storage device interface of such as interface 840 and so on usually, and disc driver 851 and CD drive 855 are connected to system bus 821 by the removable memory interface of such as interface 850 and so on usually.

As an alternative or supplement, function as herein described can be performed by one or more hardware logic assembly at least in part.Such as but unrestricted, the illustrative type of spendable hardware logic assembly comprises the special integrated circuit (ASIC) of field programmable gate array (FPGA), program, program special standardized product (ASSP), SOC (system on a chip) system (SOC), CPLD (CPLD), etc.

More than to discuss and driver shown in Figure 12 and the computer-readable storage medium that is associated thereof are the storage that computing machine 810 provides to computer-readable instruction, data structure, program module and other data.In fig. 12, such as, hard disk drive 841 is illustrated as storing operating system 844, application program 845, other program modules 846 and routine data 847.Note, these assemblies can be identical with routine data 837 with operating system 834, application program 835, other program module 836, also can be different from them.Be given different numberings at this operating system 844, application program 845, other program module 846 and routine data 847 so that save your breath bright they are different copies.

Order and information can be inputed in computing machine 810 by input equipments such as pointing device 861 such as such as keyboard 862, microphone 863 and such as mouse, tracking ball or touch pads by user.Other input equipment (not shown) can comprise operating rod, game paddle, satellite dish, scanner etc.These and other input equipment is connected to processing unit 820 by the user's input interface 860 being coupled to system bus usually, but is also connected with bus structure by other interface of such as parallel port, game port or USB (universal serial bus) (USB) and so on.The display device of visual displays 891 or other types is also connected to system bus 821 via the interface of such as video interface 890 and so on.In addition to the monitor, computing machine also can comprise other peripheral output devices of such as loudspeaker 897 and printer 896 and so on, and they connect by exporting peripheral interface 895.

The logic that computing machine 810 uses one or more remote computers such as such as remote computer 880 is connected in networked environment and operates.Remote computer 880 can be personal computer, handheld device, server, router, network PC, peer device or other common network node, and generally comprises the above multiple or all elements described about computing machine 810.Logic depicted in figure 12 connects and comprises LAN (Local Area Network) (LAN) 871 and wide area network (WAN) 873, but also can comprise other networks.This type of networked environment is common in the computer network of office, enterprise-wide, Intranet and the Internet.

When using in LAN networked environment, computing machine 810 is connected to LAN871 by network interface or adapter 870.When using in WAN networked environment, computing machine 810 generally includes modulator-demodular unit 872 or other means for being set up communication by WAN873 such as such as the Internets.Modulator-demodular unit 872 can be built-in or external, can be connected to system bus 821 via user's input interface 860 or other suitable mechanism.In networked environment, be relevant to the program module shown in computing machine 810 or its part can be stored in remote memory storage device.Exemplarily, and unrestricted, and Figure 12 shows remote application 885 and resides on remote computer 880.It is exemplary for should be appreciated that shown network connects, and can use other means setting up communication link between the computers.

It shall yet further be noted that different embodiment described herein can differently combine.That is, each several part of one or more embodiment can be combined with each several part of other embodiments one or more.Contemplate all these herein.

Although describe this theme with architectural feature and/or the special language of method action, be appreciated that subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to above-mentioned specific features or action.On the contrary, above-mentioned specific features and action are as disclosed in the exemplary forms realizing claim.

Claims (10)

1. generate a computer implemented method for the expression of process, comprising:

Access the metadata corresponding with the process in the example being stored in data system;

The visual diagram of described process is generated based on described metadata; And

User interface display shows described visual diagram.

2. computer implemented method as claimed in claim 1, is characterized in that, described data system comprises business datum system, and comprises further:

The described visual diagram of amendment received in the display of described user interface revises input to obtain modified visual illustrated user;

Based on the described metadata revised described visual illustrated amendment corresponding to described process; And

Be that there is the form can accessed by multiple different instrument by modified metadata store.

3. computer implemented method as claimed in claim 2, is characterized in that, receives described user and revises input and comprise:

Receive described user by web interface and revise input.

4. computer implemented method as claimed in claim 2, is characterized in that, also comprise:

Identify the work item that will perform described process based on to described visual illustrated described amendment, described process is operated as indicated by modified visual diagram;

Automatically generate from described work item and be applicable to gap list; And

Store described work item or applicable gap list for checking or deriving.

5. computer implemented method as claimed in claim 2, is characterized in that, receive user revise input comprise following one of at least:

Receive the described visual diagram of amendment task or activity to be added to described visual illustrated user's drag and drop input of described process;

Receive the described visual diagram of amendment to reorientate user's drag and drop input of task or activity in described process; And

Receive the described visual diagram of amendment to reorientate user's drag and drop input of task or activity in described visual diagram, wherein revise described metadata and comprise and reorientate based on task described in described visual diagram or activity the security role changing and be dispatched to described task or activity.

6. computer implemented method as claimed in claim 2, is characterized in that, generate visual diagram comprise following one of at least:

Generate the hierarchical tree structure having and represent task in described process and movable node; And

Generate the process flow diagram of operations flows of the described process of display, described process flow diagram has and represents task in described process and movable shape.

7. computer implemented method as claimed in claim 2, is characterized in that, also comprise:

Receive the user's input starting the part recording described process;

The user interface display shown from the described example of described business datum system inputs with the user receiving the described part performing described process; And

Record the metadata of described user input and correspondence, perform the described part of described process.

8. computer implemented method as claimed in claim 7, is characterized in that, generates described visual diagram and comprises:

Described visual diagram is generated based on recorded metadata.

9. a solution process drafting system, comprising:

Recorder component, described recorder component obtains the metadata corresponding with the process in the example being stored in data system and generates the diagram represented performing in described process the orderly task-set be performed; And

Computer processor, described computer processor is the funtion part of described system and is activated to promote obtain described metadata and generate described diagram by described recorder component.

10. store a computer-readable recording medium for computer executable instructions, described computer executable instructions is when being performed by computing machine, and make described computing machine perform a kind of method, described method comprises:

Access the metadata corresponding with the process in the example being stored in data system; And

The diagram of described process is generated based on described metadata.